Interlocking Concrete Paving Stones

Landscape | O n S i t e s
Interlocking Concrete Paving Stones
Objective: to instruct the correct and safe method of
laying interlocking paving stones.
Training Materials: shovel for excavation, base material,
sand, interlocking paving stones, edging material, plate
compactor, bristle broom, level.
Personal Protective Equipment: gloves, eye protection,
hearing protection, dust mask.
Lesson: Use site plan to
determine proper measurements
for area and excavation depth.
Excavation depth = height of
paver + thickness of sand layer
+ depth of base material.
Outline area of walkway with
spray paint or stakes. Remove
all soil to the desired depth,
taking care not to disturb the
soil below the excavated site.
Remove soil 15 cm beyond
the finished dimensions of the
project.
Pavers are installed on a two per
cent slope away from buildings
to ensure proper drainage and
that water does not gather/pool
on the pavers. Use a 2x4 and a
level to determine grade. A two
per cent slope has a drop of 2
cm/metre.
Add base material in 5-7
cm layers across the entire
excavated area, smoothing and
compacting thoroughly after
each layer. Keep checking to
maintain the correct slope.
Edging can be installed after the
base is complete and anchored
with 1x25 cm spikes. Some
edging is installed after pavers
are installed.
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Add a 2.5 cm layer of coarse
concrete sand on top of the
compacted aggregate base.
Sand should be screeded with a
2x4 so it is smooth and level.
Square or rectangular paver
patterns are laid from a corner
out. If laying a circle pattern,
start in the centre and work
outward. Do not slide pavers
across the sand base. Instead,
hold each new paver against
the ones already in position and
slide it straight down.
Pavers are cut by several
methods: masonry saw,
guillotine, brick chisel and
hammer. Mark cutting line with
chalk. Always use dust mask,
ear and eye protection when
cutting stone. At this point,
pavers will sit 6 m above the
final grade.
When all pavers are cut and laid,
make one pass over the surface
with a plate compactor. Spread
sand or filler material over the
surface and sweep into cracks
with a stiff broom. Make a final
pass with the plate compactor
to settle the sand between the
cracks.
Extend excavation beyond edge
of project:
• To support the edging.
• To support the outside
pavers.
• To allow room to square the
sides of the project.
• Pavers are
installed on a two
per cent slope away
from buildings
to ensure proper
drainage and that
water does not
gather/pool on the
pavers.
• Always call for
utility locates
before beginning
excavation.
Finally, backfill up to edging and
sod or plant grass as needed.
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
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Notes:
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